Aston Martin Valkyrie Makes Historic FIA WEC Debut in Qatar
The Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar will debut at the Qatar 1812km race, opening the 2025 FIA WEC season. It is the only road-derived hypercar participating in both the WEC and IMSA championships, aiming for Aston Martin’s first overall victory at Le Mans since 1959. The driver lineup combines experience and youth, and the team is supported by strong engineering to enhance performance.
Aston Martin is set to commence a significant milestone in its racing history with the global debut of the Valkyrie hypercar in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) at the Qatar 1812km race. This marks Aston Martin’s first participation in the top tier of sportscar racing since the 1989 AMR1 Group C. The Valkyrie is the only hypercar derived from a road-legal version, competing in both the WEC and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
The Valkyrie features a race-optimized carbon fiber chassis paired with a 6.5-liter, Cosworth-developed V12 engine, producing over 1000bhp while complying with the 500kw power limit mandated by hypercar regulations. This debut is not only about participating but also about challenging for Aston Martin’s first overall victory at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans since 1959.
The two-car team features experienced and emerging talent, including Harry Tincknell and Tom Gamble in the 007 Valkyrie, while Marco Sørensen and Alex Riberas will drive the sister 009 car. Ross Gunn and Roman De Angelis will also participate in the longer races. All drivers aim to gain experience while striving for strong performances in their inaugural season.
Drivers expressed their enthusiasm for the competition, highlighting the significance of the Valkyrie’s debut. Harry Tincknell stated, “This is a huge moment for Aston Martin and THOR,” emphasizing the anticipation surrounding the hypercar. Tom Gamble remarked, “It’s a dream come true to make my Hypercar debut with Aston Martin THOR Team.”
In addition to the Valkyrie, Aston Martin’s Vantage GT3 seeks to claim victory in the LMGT3 category, showcasing the versatility of Aston Martin’s racing capabilities. The strength of the driver line-up is bolstered by committed partnerships and the racing pedigree of the Vantage platform. The team aims to uphold Aston Martin’s legacy in motorsport with high ambitions and dedicated efforts throughout the championship season.
The Qatar 1812km race is set to commence at 14:00 local time on February 28, 2025. Fans can follow the global debut of the Valkyrie, along with qualifying sessions and the race, via FIA WEC TV and selected broadcasters.
In summary, Aston Martin’s Valkyrie hypercar is poised to make a historic entry into the FIA WEC, having gathered a skilled driver roster and significant engineering advancements. The participation represents a vital step in reviving Aston Martin’s competitive spirit in endurance racing. Furthermore, the complementary Vantage GT3 program aims to continue the legacy of excellence in the LMGT3 category, showcasing Aston Martin’s ambition in the motorsports arena.
Original Source: www.astonmartin.com
